CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was only fitting that Anthony Abinuman and his family should have come to the United States from the Philippines on July 4, 2008. Abinuman grew up learning about the historical significance of that date and the American Dream — so often, in fact, that he hoped one day to be able to live it.
Thanks to Baja Fresh CEO David Kim and an appearance on the hit CBS reality series “Undercover Boss” last night (April 10), he’s one step closer. Kim rewarded Abinuman with $15,000 to support his family, as well as $2,500 for his uncle’s ministry.
“My life has been so hard that I never thought I would experience something that would be a blessing to me,” an appreciative Abinuman said. “This is God working wonders. This blessing is like God working a miracle for me.”
Things weren’t always so certain for Abinuman. His first priority after arriving nearly three years ago was to find a job. Although he didn’t land anything immediately, Abinuman persevered. With the help of an uncle, he began working as a cashier at a Cypress, Calif. Baja Fresh. His uncle also influenced the nephew in other areas, taking him to his church, where he knew the young man could grow spiritually.
“My family and I have gone through a lot of hardships, both financial and emotional,” Abinuman recalled. “But through the grace of God, we were able to overcome them.”
Kim, a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who emigrated from South Korea as a young man, understands the doubt that accompanies a move to a new country.
“The success of Baja Fresh has so much more to do with people than with business, and Anthony’s work ethic and his attitude toward his new life in America serve as an example of why this country is the greatest in the world,” said Kim, the author of “Ignite!: The 12 Values That Fuel Billionaire Success” (www.DavidKimIgnite.com).
“In the beginning, when I agreed to be on ‘Undercover Boss,’ I set out to inspire the members of our family. In the end, they were the ones who inspired me with their drive and professionalism. It was an honor to work next to a young man who so clearly has a bright future.”
With 255 locations in 24 states and Dubai, Baja Fresh’s (www.bajafresh.com) fast-casual fresh Mexican chain has experienced rapid expansion since its 1990 founding. Kim says he went on the show to make sure that the company’s core obsession with freshness — Baja Fresh restaurants have no freezers or can openers and use only fresh, hormone-free meats — continues to be maintained alongside its explosive growth.
Each week, “Undercover Boss” follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of the corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
The Emmy-nominated show follows high-profile chief executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies. Currently in its second season, “Undercover Boss” was television’s number one new series in 2009-2010, setting a record for the most-watched premier episode of any reality series in television history.